Nashville artists can apply soon for special housing loans designed to support the city’s creative class with living and studio spaces.

The Housing Fund, a local nonprofit, will oversee $200,000 awarded this month by two national foundations. Nashville was one of seven cities in the nation to receive the money.

The fund can be used to help low- and middle-income artists to buy, rehab or build spaces designed for living and working.

Visual artists, musicians or even commercial chefs could be eligible.

The Housing Fund, which supports affordable housing, has lent more than $67 million.

In a statement, leaders said the new “Make A Mark” artist fund would support culturally diverse areas and help retain creative talents and small businesses. An estimated 40,000 creative workers live in Davidson County.

An advisory panel will oversee the loan pool and applications.

The Kresge and Surdna foundations awarded the grant in response to 40 applications, saying their mission is to involve arts and culture into neighborhood revitalizations.

Reach Tony Gonzalez at 615-259-8089 and on Twitter @tgonzalez.

Artists wanted

The Housing Fund, a Nashville nonprofit, will soon take applications for artists seeking housing loan assistance under the new “Make A Mark” grant program. For more information, contact Adriane Harris, programs director, at 615-515-2212 or aharris@thehousingfund.org.